Dominoes
This leisure activity was commonplace in the Caribbean and as such the Windrush generation recognised more so now living in Derby that having playing dominoes was a good tool for social cohesion amongst their peers.
From 1985-95 DWIA planned home and away matches with hot Caribbean refreshments followed by evening entertainment with music and dance.
Dominoes Timeline
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DWIA records show that at a management meeting in October 1975 held at Pear tree House the newly formed team got positive feedback from members and would be represented at DWIA meetings.
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By February 1976 DWIA Organised its first dominoes tournament inviting teams from the midlands. The organisation received a letter from The Nottingham & District West Indian National Association congratulating DWIA on a successful domino tournament
When DWIA finally got its own building dominoes attracted more people to come to the centre, and play dominoes and other games. As this was a popular activity dominoes quickly became a regular weekly activity. (Wednesday evenings and weekends).
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DWIA then began to plan home and away matches as part of the social cohesion. Home matches were long days starting with all the pre match duties, then providing refreshments, (including a hot Caribbean meal). Once the tournament finished the evening entertainment would begin, a social evening of music and dance. DWICA team has travelled to major cities that include
Luton
Preston
west Bromwich
Wolverhampton
Birmingham
Sheffield
Gloucester
Away matches created the opportunity for DWIA members to visit new places, make new friends or establish old links from the Caribbean, thus making it a popular event amongst members, which required a coach (or two) to meet the demand
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Dominoe club reformed new team and back-office staff Invitations to Dominoe teams nationwide set out resulting in matches / tournaments being hosted at DWICA.
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DWICA established its woman dominoe team. Mondays were designated Ladies Domino club night and the women’s team took part in home and away tournaments beating many out of town players.
Raising money for Philippines Typhoon Disaster
In response to a national campaign DWICA Dominoe team and DWICA membership raised £1440 for the Philippines Typhoon Disaster NOVEMBER 2013 and duly sent the funds to official body The Philippines Typhoon Appeal Disasters Emergency Committee.
Wednesday Games Night
DWICA has a long history of hosting visiting teams to play in tournaments or city verses city competitions. In addition, staging weekly (Wednesday) dominoes & darts evening sessions for DWICA / non DWICA Dominoe players. The coronavirus pandemic has meant the organisation had to stop all weekly sessions post pandemic has meant that Dominoes sessions are now part of the re-established Wednesday weekly activities “games night” an evening session which includes darts and other board games.
Dominoes Lecacy
To conclude full recognition must be given to the late Mrs Hilda Douce a key DWICA member / volunteer to establish DWICA Dominoe teams. A trophy and competition in her name created, as part of DWICA dominoe legacy.
It should be recognised that Dominoes is still a popular pastime amongst the Windrush 1st to 4th Generations.